Easter Carrot Cake Walnuts (Print View)
Moist carrot cake with crunchy walnuts and creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for holiday celebrations.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Cake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tsp baking powder
03 - 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 2 tsp ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 tsp ground ginger
08 - 1 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
10 - 1 cup vegetable oil
11 - 4 large eggs
12 - 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
13 - 3 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
14 - 1 cup chopped walnuts
15 - 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
→ For the Cream Cheese Frosting
16 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
17 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
18 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
19 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
20 - Pinch of salt
→ For Decoration
21 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well combined. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
05 - Fold in grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins (if using) until evenly distributed.
06 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
07 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until fluffy.
10 - Once cakes are completely cool, spread half the frosting over one layer. Place the second layer on top and spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides.
11 - Decorate with chopped walnuts around the edges or as desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The texture is incredibly moist without being heavy or dense
- Warm spices make the whole house smell amazing while baking
- Cream cheese frosting strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy
- Walnuts add crunch that keeps every bite interesting
02 -
- Completely cool cakes before frosting or you'll end up with melty streaks everywhere
- Room temperature ingredients combine more smoothly and prevent curdling
- Don't overmix the batter once flour is added or cake becomes tough
03 -
- Use the large holes on a box grater rather than a microplane for carrots with better texture
- Tap the pans gently on the counter before baking to release any large air bubbles
- Chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing to get cleaner cuts